Get free tax preparation through local library
The United Way of Monroe County is extending its Free Community Tax Service sites to include the Brown County Public Library now through Thursday, April 4.
Volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service are offering free tax preparation at 11 locations in Monroe, Owen and Brown counties. This service is available to low- and moderate-income residents for federal and Indiana taxes.
The Brown County library is an intake site; tax returns will be prepared remotely. To participate in this free service, an appointment is needed. Times are offered between 9 a.m. and noon. Call 812-988-2850 to get one.
In addition, anyone making $66,000 or less can file for free through the internet at myfreetaxes.com, the United Way reports.
For more information about how to utilize these services, call the number above or visit monroeunitedway.org/freetaxes.
Spring break scavenger hunt continues
Now through April 7, a Brown County Spring Break Scavenger Hunt is taking place, with prizes awarded every two days. From unscrambling words to solving riddles, participants can find answers to 40 clues around the county. Stop by The Toy Chest, 125 S. Van Buren St., to get a list of clues.
For further instructions and hints, visit browncounty.com/blog-new-kid-tastic-fun.
Open house at counseling, recovery support center
Centerstone will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at its new location, 1156 Old State Road 46. Light snacks will be provided. To RSVP, call Jena Gastil at 812-988-2258.
Events planned for National Poetry Month
To celebrate National Poetry Month, the Brown County Public Library will host a poetry workshop and poetry reading on Thursday, April 4. The workshop will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. and the reading from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Indiana University professor Catherine Bowman and a master’s of fine arts graduate student will lead the workshop and reading session. All are welcome. Registration is required for the workshop. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information and to register, call the library at 812-988-2850.
Bluebird box sale to benefit local club
Fully assembled cedar boxes intended for bluebirds to nest in will be sold to benefit the Brown County Bluebird Club. For a limited time, they cost $15 each or two boxes for $25.
With questions or to place an order, email Dan Sparks at [email protected] or call 812-200-5700.
Fire station to host indoor yard sale in April
HELMSBURG — The Jackson Township Fire Department will host its annual Cabin Fever Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6.
Booth space (10 by 5 feet) costs $20. Bring your own table; if you don’t have one, you may rent one for $10. Setup takes place between 7 and 8 a.m. To reserve a spot, call Cathy at 317-532-7536.
The fire station, 4831 Helmsburg Road, will serve a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast, hot dogs and snacks throughout the day.
Women’s event will benefit nonprofit horse farm
BARGERSVILLE — Hope for Hearts Horse Farm will host its annual Women’s Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Sycamore of Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road.
For $5 at the door, the event will include swag bags for the first 300 guests, silent auction items, free haircuts, styles, manicures, massages and makeovers, “make it/take it” crafts, “hug a horse,” boutiques and food vendors; wine tasting from Mallow Run Winery, and samples of chips and a variety of salsas.
All proceeds will go to support the horses and programs at Hope for Hearts Farm, a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
For more information, visit hopeforheartsfarm.org, email [email protected] or call 317-496-0189.
Cemetery annual spring clean up to begin this month
Annual spring clean up at the East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown will begin this month.
The clean up will take place after April 7. All ground and past seasonal decorations will be removed after that time.
BETA to visit horse farm in Bean Blossom
BEAN BLOSSOM — BETA (Brown County Enrichment for Teens Association) will travel by bus to Hope for Hearts Horse Farm in the Bean Blossom area from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 The bus will leave BETA (175 S. Jefferson St.) at 4 p.m. and will return by 6 p.m.
Any teenaged student is welcome to join; parents/guardians (also welcome) must complete a permission slip and waiver for anyone taking the trip. Forms are available at BETA sessions from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at 175 N. Jefferson St., or at the junior high or high school offices.
With questions, contact Clara Stanley at 312-310-3617 or [email protected]. To contact the farm owner, Lisa Bowman, directly, email [email protected] or call 317-496-0189.
Free monthly classes for first responders planned
EMS training will be offered free for first responders at 7 p.m. Wednesdays each month in the training room at the Brown County ambulance base, 53 State Road 46 East.
Classes count toward continuing education units for recertification.
Sessions are scheduled as follows: April 10 — autism awareness; May 8 — anaphylaxis; June 12 — injury to muscle and bones; July 10 — childbirth/Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/pediatrics; Aug. 14 — airway and rescue breathing; Sept. 11— special operations and hazardous materials (hazmat) situations; Oct. 9 — bleeding and shock; Nov. 13 — cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/automated external defibrillator (AED); Dec. 11 — cold weather emergencies.
Learn how to help with Nashville Farmers Market
Local farmers, food vendors, artisans and community members are sought for the Nashville Farmers Market.
The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, May through October, in the Brown County Inn parking lot, 51 State Road 46 East.
An orientation meeting for vendors and volunteers is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11 at the inn. A potluck will precede the meeting at 6 p.m.; bring a dish to share. Staff, volunteers and the market’s board of directors will be on hand to answer questions during the meeting. The 2019 vendor application, vendor contract and vendor handbook will also be available.
“Bigger markets can be intimidating to smaller vendors, and the demands can be rigorous,” said Sarah Dye, president of the board. “Here in Nashville, new vendors can ease into a more relaxed community atmosphere with established vendors, have fun, and earn extra income, too.”
The NFM welcomes vendors of all types. Beside fresh food growers and other food vendors, producers of soaps, jellies, wreaths, bouquets, baked goods and other farm products add depth to market offerings that customers have requested. Local artisans are also welcome to share their talents.
Vendors are not required to attend the market every week. Weekly fees range from $10 to $12.
Volunteers opportunities range from acting as market ambassadors greeting customers and answering questions to being part of children’s activities or joining the logistics team. No experience, muscle or every-week commitment is required.
For more information, email [email protected].
Junior high student lock-in planned April 12
A Brown County Junior High spring lock-in fundraiser will take place from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 12 at the school, 95 S. Schoolhouse Lane.
Teachers and staff will partner with the PTO to host and supervise the event with activities for the students. The lock-in costs $25 per student, which includes supper and snacks. All proceeds will support the BCJHS Student Activities Fund.
The PTO is accepting donations and volunteers. All volunteers are subject to a background check. To donate, volunteer, or for more information, call the BCJHS office at 812-988-6605.
Food pantry, breakfast, Bible study set April 13
SPRUNICA — Sprunica Baptist church will open its food pantry from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13 at 3902 Sprunica Road.
A light breakfast will be served. At 9 a.m., a 20-minute Bible study will be conducted for anyone who wishes to participate.
The events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 812-327-8473 or 812-369-6699.
Soup Bowl benefit coming to Seasons April 14
The annual Soup Bowl to benefit Mother’s Cupboard community kitchen will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at The Seasons Lodge Conference Center, 560 State Road 46 East.
Adult tickets, $25 each, can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Brown County IGA, 30 Hawthorne Drive; the Visitors Center, 211 S. Van Buren St.; and from Mother’s Cupboard board members.
Ticket holders will receive a hand-thrown bowl made by local artisans. For children younger than 12, tickets cost $5 each and do not include a souvenir bowl. Guests can choose from a variety of soups made by local restaurants. The event will include live music and a silent auction.
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Mother’s Cupboard, which provides free, hot meals 364 days a year to anyone who asks for food. It also operates a food bank and distributes government commodities. The kitchen is funded by donations from individuals and endowments administered by the Brown County Community Foundation. The kitchen, on Memorial Drive at the fairgrounds, serves a hot meal from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.
Mother’s Cupboard distributed more than 43,000 hot meals last year.
Register now for Spring Blossom Parade in May
The 56th annual Spring Blossom Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4 from the Brown County High School parking lot.
The registration deadline is Monday, April 15. There is no entry fee to participate. With questions, call Gene at 812-988-6865.
The parade is sponsored by the Brown County Lions Club. This year’s theme is “Brown County Blooms.”
Local food supply focus meeting planned April 15
Gaps in access to food in Brown County will be addressed at a food focus group meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 15 at the Brown County Community Foundation Building, 209 N. Van Buren St.
The meeting, hosted by the Brown County Leadership Co-Op — part of the Hometown Collaboration Initiative — will seek input on how to meet community needs for food.
The event will include “a light fare of local foods.”
Hiking, picnic planned for conservation event April 16
TREVLAC — Conservation Field Day will include some moderate hiking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, starting at Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve, 4255 State Road 45.
The morning will include an overview and information about invasive species management during a hike at the preserve. The event will include Dan McGuckin of Habitat Solutions, Sycamore Land Trust staff, and representatives of the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District. They will provide a look at conservation practices to improve soil, water quality and wildlife habitat. The group will meet at the bottomland trail for discussion, then hike up to bluffs overlooking Bean Blossom Creek.
Participants should pack snacks, water, and a lunch for a picnic at the Yellowwood shelterhouse. A tree-planting overview and tour will follow the picnic.
Hikes are free for land trust members; the suggested donation for non-members is $5 per person or $10 per family. To register, visit sycamorelandtrust.org/events or call 812-988-2211.
Presentation for smartphone users set at library
At 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, volunteer Ryan Ridge will answer questions for smartphone users at the Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, stop by or call the library at 812-988-2850.
Career Resource Center planning open house
A community open house is planned from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the Career Resource Center of Brown County, 246 E. Main St. All are welcome to look at the newly remodeled building, new logo and new opportunities.
History programs for children offered downtown
The Hands on History program, for children ages 8 to 12, will take place monthly on Thursdays at the Brown County History Center on the following dates: April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 29 and Oct. 24.
The program enables children to engage in many of the day-to-day activities experienced by children living in pioneer times. Activities take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Pioneer Village and the History Center, 90 E. Gould St.
Participation costs $5 per child. To register, call Kathy Sparks at 812-988-2377 or visit browncountyhistorycenter.org for a registration form.
Livestock showmanship clinic planned April 20
The second annual Steal the Show livestock showmanship clinic will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds.
All ages are welcome; participants do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to participate. On-site registration will begin at 8 a.m.
The clinic consists of a large animal session (cattle, equine, sheep, goat, swine) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and a small animal session (poultry, rabbit, cat, dog) from 1:30 to 4:25 p.m. Each session will provide hands-on experience with animals.
The clinic costs $5 for one session or $8 for both, no credit cards. Lunch and educational articles are included. Feed company representatives will be on hand to answer questions during lunch, from 12:15 to 1:25 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded at lunch and at 4:25 p.m.
To register, visit Facebook and search “2nd Annual Steal The Show-Showmanship Clinic”; click on “see discussion” and scroll down to Jan. 4 for a registration form.
With questions, contact Hannah Huber by email at StealThe [email protected] or call 812-720-1350.
Community garden plots open for rental
Community garden plots at Deer Run Park in Nashville are available for this growing season. Prices range from $25 to $35 for the year. For more information, call the Brown
Library plant sale set for late April
Four community groups will combine to sell plants at the Brown County Public Library Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.
Favorite perennials, native plants and “some surprises” will be sold from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from Brown County gardens and area nurseries. All proceeds support the library and the ravine project.
The sale is being organized Friends of the Brown County Public Library, the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District, SEED Brown County and the Brown County Herb Society. For more information, visit browncountylibrary.info or call 812- 988-2850.
Wildflower Foray activities coming in April
The annual Wildflower Foray will feature free hikes, nature walks and workshops all over Brown County and surrounding locations, beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, April 26 up to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28. A hike and workshop schedule has not yet been posted, but when it is, it can be found at tcsteele.org.
Firefighters will serve fish fries monthly
BEAN BLOSSOM — Fruitdale Volunteer Firefighters will host fish fries from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, April 27, May 18, June 8, July 13, Aug. 24, Sep. 7 and Oct. 5 at the fire station, 5200 State Road 135 North.
Volunteers prepare the food and provide a combo plate for $9 and a number of side dishes along with hot dogs and breaded tenderloin.
The events support 17 volunteers and proceeds go to the general fund which pays for equipment and training. For more information, visit facebook.com/Fruitdale-Volunteer-Fire-Company or call 812-988-1696.
Farm selling shares of locally-grown produce
BELMONT — Community Supported Agriculture memberships for this growing year are being accepted at Schooner Creek Farm.
Each member gets baskets of locally-grown produce each Tuesday from May 7 through Sept. 24. The 21 baskets or “shares” will contain a medley of produce designed for two to four people. A membership costs $625 for the season.
A variety of vegetables and herbs will be grown, such as heirloom tomatoes, Romaine lettuce, shallots, kale, onions, green beans, carrots, zucchini, basil and more. Substitutions in baskets are allowed only in the case of food allergies. Members can stop by the farm, 4 miles from Nashville, to pick up each week’s share.
The farm has used natural, chemical-free methods to grow food since its start in 2011. Non-GMO eggs are also sold sale. For more information, visit schoonercreekfarm.org, @schoonercreekfarmpage on Facebook or email [email protected].
Food manager certification classes offered in May
A food manager certification class will be taught at the County Office Building, 201 N. Locust Lane, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16. The Wednesday session will end at 12:30 p.m. and the Thursday session will finish around 2:30 p.m., with the test being given at 12:30.
All businesses serving food, except nonprofits or those that only carry prepackaged, non-refrigerated food, are required to have a certified food manager on staff. Certification is good for five years.
The class costs $125, which includes the book and test. The seventh edition textbook, reflecting the 2017 food code, should be picked up at the Brown County Health Department on the second floor of the County Office Building to study in advance. To take the test only, the cost is $50.
For more information, to make reservation in the class, or to pick up the book, call the health department at 812-988-2255 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Electronics day, shredding offered at center
The Brown County Recycling Center will offer electronic recycling from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18 at the “far back” side of the Brown County Solid Waste Management District property. The center is off Greasy Creek Road near the intersection at Old State Road 46 East.
Televisions and computer monitors will be accepted for $20 each.
From 9 a.m. to noon May 18, the center also will shred paper documents at the front of the property, at 176 Old State Road 46 East.
Dawg Gone Walk, Fiesta planned in May
At the annual Dawg Gone Walk and Fiesta from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19, dogs and their owners can take part in games, contests, pampering stations, information booths and shopping at Deer Run Park.
Funds raised will go directly to the feeding and care of homeless pets at the Brown County Humane Society animal shelter, thus helping maintain and improve its 98-percent save rate.
Tickets will be $15 per dog from until Tuesday, May 14; after that, tickets will cost $20 each. A goody bag worth up to $50 will be given to the first 125 to register.
For more information or to sign up, visit bchumane.org/dawg-gone-walk-fiesta or call 812- 988-7362.
Consult with a lawyer for free at library
The Brown County Public Library will host Talk to a Lawyer Day between 3 and 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. Local attorneys volunteer to give short, confidential, free legal consultations, sponsored by Legal Aid District 11.
Free consultations are also available from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 22 at the Legal Aid Office in Columbus.
For more information, call the library at 812-988-2850 or Legal Aid Office in Bartholomew County at 812-314-2722.
Book-a-Librarian service offered
Individuals or small groups can make an appointment with a Brown County Public Library librarian through the free Book-a-Librarian service. Sessions are limited to 30 to 60 minutes and are best used for instruction on how to use the library catalog, databases, digital resources and the Internet. Call 812-988-2850 for an appointment.
